I think a mass text should be sufficient. We need to get everyone's number together that wants to get in on it

I try to do a mass-text prior to registration opening up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nchiarel

What is the deal with autocross? I have a b5 s4 and am thinking about buying a 2008-2010 135i. I live in Boston and would love to join in on the fun.

Is there any certification required? What is the cost? Any info would be great!

Thanks

Auto-X Registration Info
You don't need a BMW to join in the BMW autocross. You do need: A car that passes tech, an approved helmet, and the ability to have fun! Cost is the CCA membership and each event, which is usually $40.

I'm sad that I'll apparently miss this season... but you guys have fun!

@nchiarel:
As rachel said:
Step 1: buy a BMW-CCA membership ~$50

Step 2: figure out what details you need to know about your car (tire size, etc.), so that you can be classed correctly.

Step 3: Determine the sign-up date and register for the auto-x event before noon on the sign-up day to ensure you get a spot

Step 4: Get to the Auto-X at Deven airfield near Ayer around by 7:30am on the day, to prep, get your car checked, and walk the course.

Step 5: Ignore And1's addict-like shaking and speed-talking, and focus on driving, and have fun.

Step 6: Ask yourself why you have to wait a whole month for the next event...

Step whenever: buy an approved helmet, Snell 2010 is probably your best bet. (you could also borrow a loaner helmet at the event, but they are limited and probably have 100s of other's peoples head-sweat on them)

I'm sad that I'll apparently miss this season... but you guys have fun!

@nchiarel:
As rachel said:
Step 1: buy a BMW-CCA membership ~$50

Step 2: figure out what details you need to know about your car (tire size, etc.), so that you can be classed correctly.

Step 3: Determine the sign-up date and register for the auto-x event before noon on the sign-up day to ensure you get a spot

Step 4: Get to the Auto-X at Deven airfield near Ayer around by 7:30am on the day, to prep, get your car checked, and walk the course.

Step 5: Ignore And1's addict-like shaking and speed-talking, and focus on driving, and have fun.

Step 6: Ask yourself why you have to wait a whole month for the next event...

Step whenever: buy an approved helmet, Snell 2010 is probably your best bet. (you could also borrow a loaner helmet at the event, but they are limited and probably have 100s of other's peoples head-sweat on them)

hey now! @artmasterx you know you're fiending as bad as i am. i just post about it

........all the time

@nchiarel i used to have a b5 a4 with a little work done to it. really wish i got that thing out to autocross. i think you'll have a blast with an awd turbo car with some torque

really tho, just get your ass out there! everybody preached it to me, but for some bizarre reason i was lazy to get into it. but lemme tell you...you get hooked quick. i haven't missed a single event since i started. and the whole crew is awesome

Nice, I would love to get into it. Is it too much of a beating on the car to use the car I drive to work every day? I am about to sell my S4 and would love to drive the 135 to its' potential, but not if it will jeopardize me getting to work.

What are some upgrades that are necessary in order to participate without breaking anything? Any weak links?

I'm pretty sure all of us 1ers use them for a DD. I don't see how doing autox could be THAT harmful to it. Also, myself and I'm sure others would let you take it for a rip around the course. just come...

Nice, I would love to get into it. Is it too much of a beating on the car to use the car I drive to work every day? I am about to sell my S4 and would love to drive the 135 to its' potential, but not if it will jeopardize me getting to work.

What are some upgrades that are necessary in order to participate without breaking anything? Any weak links?

You won't need any upgrades, but it can be a slippery slope because you may want upgrades. The number one thing it will be hard on is the tires, particularly as a novice and with the understeering tendency of the cars. You may want to consider a dedicated auto-x wheel/tire setup, but it isn't necessary to have fun.

I suppose over the long term, it could be a bit hard on some steering/suspension/wheel bearing components over the life of car, but you are only talking about 10-ish minutes of "hard" driving once a month. So this is maybe 2 hours per year... a very small fraction. And it really isn't that hard on the car, especially if you drive smoothly.

With any car, definitely make sure to warm it up properly because you do spend a large portion of each run at high RPMs (in 2nd gear), so you want the oil to nice and warm before each run.

Maybe someone like Larry can attest to any longer term, I only did it for about a year, but 90% of the people out there are using their DDs (or at least not a dedicated auto-x/track car).